Pete Hegseth slams Associated Press report about him, calling it 'anti-Christian'

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of Defense, slammed The Associated Press for a story they wrote about him, calling it "anti-Christian."

The outlet wrote a story about Hegseth, citing a source who called him an "Insider Threat" based on tattoos he has, claiming they had ties to white supremacy.

Retired Master Sgt. DeRicko Gaither told the AP that he got a report from a former member of the National Guard that referred to Hegseth's tattoos. 

"Gaither told AP he researched the tattoos — including one of a Jerusalem Cross and the context of the words 'Deus Vult,' Latin for 'God wills it,' on his bicep — and determined they had sufficient connection to extremist groups to elevate the email to his commanding officers," the report reads. 

A "left-wing troll," according to The Daily Wire, told the AP that it was "concerning" to see those kinds of tattoos on one's body.

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance defended Hegseth, saying the tattoos were a Christian motto. “They’re attacking Pete Hegseth for having a Christian motto tattooed on his arm,” said Vice President-elect JD Vance on X.

“This is disgusting anti-Christian bigotry from the AP, and the entire organization should be ashamed of itself,” he added.

"Amen @JDVance," Hegseth wrote on the social media platform, X. "Anti-Christian bigotry in the media on full display. They can target me — I don’t give a damn — but this type of targeting of Christians, conservatives, patriots and everyday Americans will stop on DAY ONE at DJT’s DoD."